Removing the fuel filter

[2muchgrass2mow]

The specs call for it yearly because that greatly increases their profit from filter sales. Sum total of the reasoning behind that maintenance schedule. Same with belts, oil filters, etc. Most mfg recommendations are based on what's best for profit, not what's best for the product or the customer.

I suspect you are largely correct, but after paying 6K for my mower, I'll go along with the schedule - especially oil and filter, tranny oil and filter and greasing. I've been crazy lucky with belts. I've only had a drive belt break once, and I've been on riders since 1993. Thanks for the input.

 

[farmerdave1954]

I suspect you are largely correct, but after paying 6K for my mower, I'll go along with the schedule - especially oil and filter, tranny oil and filter and greasing. I've been crazy lucky with belts. I've only had a drive belt break once, and I've been on riders since 1993. Thanks for the input.

Oh, of course the tranny and grease fittings definitely need on-time maintenance. But, have you noticed that nearly all "residential" hydrostat transmissions have no way to change the fluid and filter? Again, makes for more tranny sales. If yours has a filter and drain plug, IMO you can't change those too often. Same with engine oil and filter. I didn't choose a very good example by mentioning the oil filter. There ARE some recommendations that are good ones, I agree. And if my unit was under warranty, I'd follow the recommendations until the warranty expired. Although on something like a push mower, or other relatively inexpensive item, I've been known to blow those recommendations away, too. To each his own. You do what makes you feel comfortable with the cost/reward ratio. One way to look at it is a fuel filter is a very inexpensive item, and it certainly doesn't hurt to change it yearly. In my case, its usually more of a "when am I going to find the time" type of decision. If I can put it in the "when I can find time" category without risking damage, I sometimes have to do that. The older I get, the slower I become, and the more I make decisions based on that rule.

 

[Zedo]

I got these off of Amazon last year and had to use all of them for different hookups on my mower. https://www.amazon.com/Electrical-D...15-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&psc=1

 

[outdoorpowermike]

Simple, just cut hose at end of fuel filter nipple at tank side and install filter with new 8"s of hose to the fuel pump with new clamps.

 

[2muchgrass2mow]

Oh, of course the tranny and grease fittings definitely need on-time maintenance. But, have you noticed that nearly all "residential" hydrostat transmissions have no way to change the fluid and filter? Again, makes for more tranny sales. If yours has a filter and drain plug, IMO you can't change those too often. Same with engine oil and filter. I didn't choose a very good example by mentioning the oil filter. There ARE some recommendations that are good ones, I agree. And if my unit was under warranty, I'd follow the recommendations until the warranty expired. Although on something like a push mower, or other relatively inexpensive item, I've been known to blow those recommendations away, too. To each his own. You do what makes you feel comfortable with the cost/reward ratio. One way to look at it is a fuel filter is a very inexpensive item, and it certainly doesn't hurt to change it yearly. In my case, its usually more of a "when am I going to find the time" type of decision. If I can put it in the "when I can find time" category without risking damage, I sometimes have to do that. The older I get, the slower I become, and the more I make decisions based on that rule.

I feel ya, bro. Yeah, the JD X-370 has ahydraulic lift and powersteering. Change af 50 hrs. and every 200 after that. I also change oil and filter frequently.

 

[Skippydiesel]

Thanks all for your valued insight!!! Got a different filter coming and fuel line separator pliers. Trimming >or< 1/4 in. off each end of the line, a filter with shorter nipples and maybe a bit of dry silicone spray should do the trick.

Noooo!
Replace the hose
Use quality silicon grease (not the rubbish spray stuff)

 

[Skippydiesel]

Interesting! I've had no issues with the line or filter. Just trying to do filter 3 years what the specs call for yearly.

Your recommended 3 year fuel filter replacement schedule, is bovine excrement
A partially blocked fuel filter will only result in reduced rpm/power
A completely blocked filter will not allow your engine to start
Neither of the above conditions will do any damage to your engine
IF your filter allows for visual inspection (the only sort worth having) check for media contamination - Replace (or clean) if evident. - Continue to use if appears clean.
Fuel filter blockage results from putting dirty fuel in the tank and or allowing contaminates (dust/insects/etc) to enter your tank
Good refueling hygiene will extend the life of your fuel filter almost indefinitely
Use a filter funnel when refueling.

 

[Davenj4f]

I have a JD X-370 that is 3 yrs. old. I have always seen myself as pretty handy at 75, even though arthritis greatly affects my work these days. After a long string of lawn tractors - all of which I serviced myself - I got the JD primarily for the hydraulic power steering and overall quality. I love my X-370, and I have historically changed oil and filter, plugs, tranny fluid and filter, blades, air filter, greased, etc. This is going to sound crazy I know, but I CANNOT REMOVE THE FUEL FILTER!!! WHAT'S MORE, I HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO REMOVE IT!!! It is inserted on both ends so tight, and so far, that the clamps actually serve no function. I can slide those down the gas line easily but pulling and/or twisting does nothing. I have actually thought about cutting the line to remove the filter, but what about the next time? I've also thought about getting out my ramps, loading the mower on my truck and taking it to the dealer, but that seems ridiculous. Lastly, I thought perhaps if I scored one end of the fuel line like every 1/8 in. deep all around it that maybe I could work one end of it out of the line. If I could get one end out it would make it somewhat easier to get the other out. This is frustrating. It must be changed after THREE years - I know that. Ideas anyone???

This tool works great on almost any size. $10 at O-Reilly Auto

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/titan/titan-hose-remover-pliers/ttn0/51399?store=4631&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19742256407&gbraid=0AAAAAD1s912x_U8sq3F_aIVdXJjsrH-cY&gclid=Cj0KCQjwoMXQBhDcARIsAH-eEtvBoIUaUPRtSAFQJSSxcnfrIkQBJkroTfLi8keiZ2LFDg3SrRR5faAaAp3eEALw_wcB

 

[2muchgrass2mow]

Your recommended 3 year fuel filter replacement schedule, is bovine excrement
A partially blocked fuel filter will only result in reduced rpm/power
A completely blocked filter will not allow your engine to start
Neither of the above conditions will do any damage to your engine
IF your filter allows for visual inspection (the only sort worth having) check for media contamination - Replace (or clean) if evident. - Continue to use if appears clean.
Fuel filter blockage results from putting dirty fuel in the tank and or allowing contaminates (dust/insects/etc) to enter your tank
Good refueling hygiene will extend the life of your fuel filter almost indefinitely
Use a filter funnel when refueling.

Thanks. What I said is that JD calls for filter replacement every season, but I have not been able to get it off on the three years I’ve had it. Your advice is noted.

 

[2muchgrass2mow]

Noooo!
Replace the hose
Use quality silicon grease (not the rubbish spray stuff)

The spray stuff is dry. I would think either would be okay, but your advice is appreciated!